Group takes pride in doing decade
‘A DECADE of Doing’ was celebrated by Bacup Pride with a host of events.
The community-led volunteer group was founded 10 years ago after a spate of anti-social behaviour in the town led to a public meeting and people wanted to ‘put the heart back into Bacup.’
What started as litter picking, improving the town and fostering community spirit, has led to a number of subsidiary groups being set up all over the area and volunteers were invited to a celebration lunch at the ABD Centre.
At the event, leader of Rossendale Council Alyson Barnes, said: “I want to give a big, big thank you from everyone at the council to Pat Smith and Hilary Fairclough and the rest of the team in Bacup.
“We wouldn’t be in the place we are without our wonderful volunteers.”
She presented Pat with a bouquet of flowers and a certificate of appreciation. Chair of Bacup Pride Pat Smith said: “It is not just us [myself and Hilary], Bacup Pride is a whole collection of volunteers and lots of people who support the town. It is everyone in the community who gives money to Bacup Pride and all those who leave messages on Facebook. We could not do it without them.”
Bacup Pride has recently been awarded five certificates in the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) It’s Your Neighbourhood Awards.
Three were the top Level 5 outstanding: Rose Terrace Community Allotment, The Wall of History Garden and the Irwell Terrace Planters.
Two Level 4 thriving awards: Pride Corner and Barclays Bank Garden.
They also received a special RHS judge’s recommendation 2021 Award for Overcoming Adversity because of their resilience and dedication despite problems they had with anti-social behaviour.
A further national Certificate of Distinction was awarded to Bacup Pride from the RHS.
Volunteer and social media officer Hilary Fairclough said: “Initially, I joined because I was new to the area, and I wanted to meet people. I’ve always loved gardening and I thought this would be a good way to do both.
“I’ve made some lovely friends and it’s given me the chance to interact with the community and with local businesses too.
“It’s also helped not only my physical health but my mental health too.”